Much was made about the Rockets not re-signing Ariza this offseason after he started all 67 games that he played in a season ago. He averaged 11.7 points while playing 33.9 minutes per game during the 2017-18 campaign and was undoubtedly a valuable member of the rotation.

This season, he’s started every game for the Suns and will now take his talents to the Eastern Conference in joining the Wizards.

As for Paul and the Rockets, they’ve still got plenty of things to figure out after a surprising 13-14 start.

On a positive note, things have looked a little better in back-to-back wins over the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers, so perhaps that will help this team gain more confidence moving forward.

Then again, getting Ariza back may have helped a little as well.

Houston will return to the court on Saturday night when it hits the road for a matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Update: It appears that the Ariza trade may not happen after all.

Sources with @ZachLowe_NBA: Deal in jeopardy over which Brooks — MarShon or Dillon — the Suns believed it was getting in the trade. Memphis will not put Dillon Brooks in the trade, sources said.